Basic free zone packages with flexi-desk and zero visas start around AED 8,000–12,000. Adding visas and banking increases total cost significantly.
Setup Costs
Business Setup Cost in Dubai
Get a transparent breakdown of Dubai business setup costs — KPM Global Services itemises government fees, visas, office, and service charges with no surprises.
- Itemised Quotes
- No Hidden Fees
- Mainland & Free Zone
Cost Planning
Business Setup Cost Dubai
1Scope
2Quote
3Approve
4Setup
Total cost of ownership
First year and renewal costs explained upfront.
500+
UAE Clients Served
15+
Years UAE Experience
24/7
Advisor Support
8
Service Verticals
Overview
Understanding Dubai business setup costs
Business setup cost in Dubai is not a single number — it combines government licence fees, establishment charges, office or flexi-desk costs, visa allocations, PRO services, and ongoing compliance.
Online advertisements often show entry-level free zone packages excluding visas, bank deposits, and renewal fees. Mainland setups add Ejari office rent and higher DET charges.
KPM Global Services provides written, itemised quotes covering year-one and renewal projections so you can budget accurately before committing.
Who This Is For
Who needs cost clarity
- Founders comparing mainland versus free zone budgets
- Investors preparing board approval for UAE expansion
- Entrepreneurs evaluating Dubai against other jurisdictions
- Existing operators planning a second licence or branch
- Startups managing limited runway and seeking lean setup
- Corporate finance teams forecasting UAE subsidiary costs
How We Help
Cost advisory services
Structure comparison
Side-by-side mainland and free zone cost models for your activity.
Itemised quotations
Separate government fees, service fees, visas, and optional add-ons.
Renewal forecasting
Project year-two licence, office, and compliance renewal costs.
Visa cost planning
Calculate per-visa government, medical, and Emirates ID charges.
Office optimisation
Right-size premises to meet authority rules without overpaying.
Package deconstruction
Review third-party quotes and identify excluded items.
Process
How we calculate your setup cost
- 1
Requirements gathering
Capture activity, shareholders, visas, and office needs.
- 2
Jurisdiction modelling
Model costs across 2–3 suitable mainland or free zone options.
- 3
Written quote
Deliver itemised breakdown with government and service fee split.
- 4
Review call
Walk through inclusions, exclusions, and renewal projections.
- 5
Approval & setup
Proceed with chosen structure; costs locked per agreed scope.
- 6
Renewal calendar
Set reminders for licence, Ejari, and visa renewal dates.
Documents
Information needed for accurate quoting
- Proposed business activity description
- Number of shareholders and managers
- Visa requirements (founders, staff, dependants)
- Office preference (virtual, flexi-desk, physical)
- Target jurisdiction (mainland or preferred free zone)
- Timeline for setup completion
- Existing quotes for comparison (optional)
- Sector-specific regulatory requirements
Pricing
Key cost components in Dubai setup
These elements combine to form your total setup investment.
- Government licence and registration fees
- Office rent or flexi-desk annual charges
- Visa quota — establishment, medical, Emirates ID per person
- MOA notarisation, translation, and attestation
- Professional service and PRO facilitation fees
Quotes are valid for a stated period as government fees change. KPM Global Services confirms tariffs at submission.
Timeline
Quote to setup timeline
24 hours
Initial estimate
Ballpark range provided after brief consultation.
2–3 days
Detailed quote
Itemised quotation for recommended structure delivered.
1 week
Decision & deposit
Structure approved; setup process initiated.
2–4 weeks
Setup complete
Licence issued within agreed budget scope.
Avoid Mistakes
Cost-related setup mistakes
- Comparing only headline licence price across zones
- Forgetting visa, medical, and Emirates ID costs per person
- Ignoring mandatory audit fees in certain free zones
- Underestimating commercial office rent for mainland
- Not budgeting for Corporate Tax and accounting from year one
- Choosing extra activities that increase licence fees unnecessarily
Why KPM
Why Choose KPM Global Services
UAE-focused advisory
Practical guidance on Dubai business setup cost planning from a Dubai-based team that works with authorities, banks, and regulators daily.
Clear documentation
Structured checklists, realistic timelines, and transparent scope so you know what is included before you proceed.
Connected services
Link setup, visas, banking, accounting, VAT, Corporate Tax, PRO, and legal support through one coordinated advisory journey.
No generic templates
Advice is tailored to your activity, shareholders, jurisdiction, and operational plans — not a one-size-fits-all package.
Free Consultation
Request a Quote — Business Setup Cost Dubai
Share your requirements and our UAE advisory team will respond with practical next steps and a transparent scope.
FAQ
Business Setup Cost Dubai — Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about business setup cost dubai in the UAE.
Ready to get started with Business Setup Cost Dubai?
Speak with KPM Global Services for practical UAE guidance — free consultation, no obligation.